What Is This Module About?

Is your workplace safe? Are you bothered by accidents and injuries that can
happen to you at work? In cases of accidents or emergencies, do you know what to
do?
In this module, you will learn how to make your workplace safe. You will also
learn the common accidents that happen at work, and the appropriate first aid
treatments to be given.
This module is divided into two lessons:
Lesson 1 – Safety in the Workplace
In this lesson, various safety measures which are important in ensuring a safe
working environment are discussed.
Lesson 2 – First Aid in the Workplace
This lesson covers appropriate first-aid treatments for common sicknesses and
accidents.
Study the module carefully and try to answer the question: “Is your workplace
safe?”

What Will You Learn From This Module?

After studying this module, you should be able to:
♦ use your knowledge and skills in safety to avoid accidents in the
workplace; and
♦ apply the knowledge gained to improve your job performance for better
productivity and quality results.

Let’s See What You Already Know

Before studying the module, answer the questions below to determine how much
you already know.
Write the letter of the correct answer in the blank space before each number.
____ 1. What is immediately given to accident victims to ease their pain and
save their lives in the absence of a doctor?
a. antibiotics
b. first-aid treatment
c. oxygen
d. first-aid training
1
____ 2. What is Article 162 of the Labor Code about?
a. The rights of workers to a safe and healthy working environment
b. The rights of women and children in the workplace
c. The standard building structure and design
d. Medical and dental services given to employees
____ 3. What do sewers and dressmakers use to avoid needle pricks when
sewing?
a. thimbles
b. safety glasses
c. gloves
d. blunt needles
____ 4. Which of the following is not an example of a safety reminder or
sign?
a. Danger! Deep Excavation
b. Watch Out for Falling Debris
c. Park at Your Own Risk
d. Rest Room
____ 5. Why are safety reminders important?
a. Because they convey messages.
b. Because they promote a safe and healthy workplace.
c. Because they make our work a lot easier.
d. Because they are strategically placed in working areas.
____ 6. What is used in construction sites to prevent injuries from falling
debris?
a. straw hat
b. gloves
c. coat and hard hat
d. first-aid kit
____ 7. A worker at a hotel laundry was ironing the dress of a hotel guest
when the flat iron accidentally fell on her lap. What would you do to
help?
a. Apply direct pressure on the burned area
b. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
c. Apply cream on the affected area to ease the pain
d. Apply ice or cold water on her lap for 10 minutes

2
 ____ 8. A worker in a sawmill got wounded when he tripped over a plank of
lumber on the floor. Why is it not advisable to apply a tourniquet on
his wound?
a. It will increase the risk of infection.
b. It will fracture his bones.
c. It will worsen the bleeding.
d. It will cause swelling on the wounded area.
____ 9. Your co-worker has diarrhea. What food should he take to stop his
diarrhea?
a. peanuts
b. bananas
c. chocolates
d. prunes
____ 10. While you were working, your co-worker rushed to the comfort
room to vomit. She must have eaten something that has upset her
stomach. Which of the following should she take to stop her
vomiting?
a. milk
b. salt
c. ice
d. vinegar
Well, how was it? Do you think you fared well? Compare your answers with
those in the Answer Key on page 30 to find out.
If all your answers are correct, very good! This shows that you already know
much about the topic. You may still study the module to review what you already
know. Who knows, you might learn a few more new things as well.
If you got a low score, don’t feel bad. This means that this module is for you. It
will help you understand important concepts that you can apply in your daily life. If
you study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to all the items in the test
and a lot more! Are you ready?
You may go now to the next page to begin Lesson 1.

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 LESSON 1

Safety in the Workplace

This lesson will teach you about safety in the workplace. After this lesson, you
are expected to know how to ensure a safe working environment. You will also learn
the following:
♦ the use of appropriate working clothes and equipment to avoid accidents;
♦ what should be done to ensure safety in the workplace;
♦ the importance of cleanliness and order in maintaining a safe working
environment; and
♦ the importance of putting up and of understanding safety reminders or signs
in the workplace.

Let’s Study and Analyze

Study the picture below. Find out the details of Mang Isko’s accident.

1. What happened to Mang Isko?

_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

4
 2. What should he have done to avoid the accident?
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 30.

Let’s Try This

Mang Isko’s experience shows how negligence of simple things in the workplace
can cause accidents. If he had only used the proper working clothes and equipment,
the accident would not have happened.
There are different working clothes and equipment to ensure safety in the
workplace. Look at the pictures below. Encircle the letter below each picture that
shows unsafe working habits.

a. wearing slippers while driving b. wearing a hat or head gear

a tricycle while cooking

c. wearing a hard hat in the d. cutting an electrical cable

construction site using one’s teeth

5
 e. cutting cables without f. wearing an undershirt while
wearing rubber gloves planting under the heat of
the sun

g. using a thimble while sewing h. wearing a helmet while

riding a motorcycle

What can you say about the pictures? Are you like one of the workers in the
pictures? Why do you say that the pictures you have chosen show unsafe working
habits? Let us check each of your answers. Compare them with those in the Answer
Key on page 31.
What is your score? If you answered everything correctly, good! You already
know the proper working clothes and equipment for different types of jobs. If you got
2 mistakes, it is possible that you are still not familiar with some items that should be
worn or used by workers to ensure safety. If you got 3 or more mistakes, review the
pictures again and analyze them one by one.

6
 Let’s Review

Look at the pictures below. Then answer the questions below.

A. F
.
C.

G.

D.
E.
B.

1. What do the pictures show?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Who uses each of these?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Explain why each item is important for the safety of the worker who uses it.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 31. If you
answered everything correctly, congratulations! If not, study carefully the answers
given on page 31.

7
 Let’s Learn

Below are some simple reminders to help you work safely:

1. Use light clothes when fishing. If

possible, wear a life vest or jacket made
of light material. This way, if you
accidentally fall into the water, you
would find it easier to swim to safety.

2. Make sure you put on your seatbelt

when driving a vehicle. Republic Act
8750, also known as the “Seat Belt
Law,” requires the driver and
passengers seated in the front seat of a
vehicle to use the seat belt provided.
The habit of using the seatbelt saves
lives and minimizes the injuries caused
by vehicle accidents. Passengers in the
front and back of a vehicle should also
wear seatbelts if these are available.

3. Use gloves when handling ice, wood and

hollow blocks and when pushing heavy
objects. This can help avoid hand
injuries.

4. Use aprons and potholders when

cooking. These help prevent burns and
scalding.

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 5. Wear a mask or eye protector when
welding, repairing vehicles, making glass,
or mixing chemicals. This serves as
protection for the eyes and face.

6. Use boots or shoes with spikes to avoid

slipping or electrocution when cleaning,
walking in the rain, repairing machinery or
doing any activity involving direct contact
with electricity.

With what you have just read, I hope you were able to learn how to work more
safely. Do you wish to add any other safety measures to our list?

Let’s Read

Here is a news article about a freak accident.

Person Cut in Half by Falling Container
A canteen dishwasher died after a van container accidentally fell and cut her body in
half. This happened inside the container yard in North Bay Boulevard, Navotas, two
nights ago. The victim was identified by Navotas Police Chief Supt. Edilberto Cruz as
Gina Lacsamana. Mrs. Lacsamana was 34, married, and a resident of 1024 Francis St.,
Barangay Villar, Navotas.
According to the police, the victim was inside the RAO Container Service canteen
around 6:00 p.m. The topmost van container is said to have accidentally fallen on her
while she was washing dishes.
The stack of containers was located just beside the canteen. The impact of the fall
cut the victim’s body, instantly killing her.
The witness, Mr. Sinforo Resus, a security guard, said that the pile of containers
was not stacked properly. This probably caused the accident.
Police are now investigating the incident. Meanwhile, they are preparing to file a case
against the management of the container yard.

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 What can you say about the news article? Why did the accident happen?
Let us analyze the situation.
The tragedy that befell Mrs. Gina Lacsamana clearly shows how risky an
unorganized workplace can be.

Let’s Think About This

What do you think the employer or the owner of the container yard should have
done to prevent the accident? Was it the fault of Mrs. Lacsamana or the other
workers? Can you say that the owner alone is responsible for what happened?
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.
Under the law, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy
working environment for his workers. This is indicated in Article 162 of the Labor
Code which states that “Safety and health standards shall be enforced to ensure safe
and healthy working conditions in all places of employment.”
In the case of Mrs. Lacsamana, it is likely that the employer will be held liable
for the accident. The workplace was unsafe because the containers had not been
stacked properly and posed a threat to all the employees at the container yard. The
stack of containers, in the first place, should never have been placed right above the
sink where the dishwashers clean the dishes. They should have been kept in a stock
yard out of harm’s way. But even if the employer shoulders all the expenses, the
damage has already been done. If only the employer and workers worked together to
maintain cleanliness and order in the workplace, the accident would not have
happened.
Do you help maintain safety and cleanliness in your workplace? If yes, then you
should already be familiar with the safety measures mentioned in the next section.

Let’s Remember

Here are things that workers can do to ensure safety in the workplace.
1. Make sure that all electrical equipment and machinery are in good condition.
Know how to operate these machines properly, and turn the power supply off
if they are not being used. This will help prevent fires.

10
 2. Inspect the machines being used. Report and possibly repair those which are
malfunctioning. Ask for those which are beyond repair so they can be
replaced.
3. Wear clothes that are appropriate for the tasks at hand. Always wear safety
gadgets/equipment to prevent accidents in the workplace.
4. Handle equipment, tools, supplies and materials sensibly and safely.
5. Obey safety reminders and signs in the workplace.
6. Read and follow safety guidelines when using chemicals and poisonous
materials.
7. Maintain a clean and orderly workplace.
8. Be prepared to give first aid in times of emergency.
Do you do these things in your workplace? If yes, you are definitely a safety-
conscious worker! If not, read the safety reminders again for they are very useful.
Always keep them in mind to maintain safety in the workplace.
Do you often see safety reminders posted in the streets or on buildings? Can you
give some examples of those you see in your workplace? Write them below.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Look at the safety reminders inside the boxes on the next page. Have you written
anything similar in the blanks above? How many reminders were you able to write
down? If a lot (5 or more), very good! This means that you are at least aware of the
safety precautions you are advised to follow. If you wrote 3 or less, it is possible that
you are not yet familiar with some of the safety reminders. Or it may be that you
don’t see anything like them in your workplace. Continue reading the module and
request your employer to provide the proper safety reminders in your workplace. Tell
him/her that this can help avoid accidents.

11
 Here are some safety reminders.

REMINDER DANGER
WEAR YOUR HARD HAT NO SMOKING SLIPPERY HIGH
SAFETY JACKET AREA WITHIN 50 WHEN WET VOLTAGE
BEFORE ENTERING FEET

WET WATCH OUT FOOT HAND

TOXIC
PAINT FOR OPENING PROTECTION PROTECTION
HAZARD DOOR MUST BE WORN MUST BE WORN

EYE HEARING NOT NO FOOD

SAFETY
PROTECTION PROTECTION HARNESS DRINKING OR DRINK
MUST BE WORN MUST BE WORN MUST BE WORN ALLOWED
WATER

What do the above reminders mean? How can they help ensure safety in the
workplace?
Safety reminders serve as simple warnings. They instruct us to be more alert and
careful to prevent accidents from occurring in a particular workplace. Take the “Watch
Out for Opening Door” sign, for example. The sign tells us that the door may be
opened anytime by somebody. With this warning, we should not stay behind or too
close to the door if we don’t wish to get hit when it opens.
Here are some things to remember when making safety reminders or signs.
1. The message must be direct and exact.
2. The message must be short and easy to understand.
3. The message must be printed clearly and must be visually attractive.
4. It must be put in a place that is easily seen.
For you to better understand what I am trying to say, read the following examples
of safety reminders:
1. Watch Out for Falling Debris 4. No Smoking
2. Beware of Dogs 5. No Littering
3. No Left Turn 6. No Eating Inside

Let’s Try This

Make a safety reminder for your workplace. Show this to your Instructional
Manager or Facilitator and to your co-workers, friends or family members.

12
 Let’s Review

This is Mang Justo’s shop. Look at the picture and do the following:
1. Identify the possible accidents that can happen inside this shop.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Describe how the workplace can be made safer so these possible accidents
can be avoided.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. Write at least two or three safety reminders to help avoid accidents in the
shop.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 32.
How did you do? Are your answers similar to those given? If yes, very good! If
not, you may go back to the exercise, keeping in mind the answers I have given.

13
 Let’s Read

Do you know that common accidents and sickness may delay your work and
affect your job performance? You can achieve better output and quality results if you
can lessen accidents and sickness in the workplace. Let’s look into the conversation
of two workers.
After a fire that took place in a
garment factory due to an electrical Do you think Sir Chang can negotiate
short circuit, two workers were heard with the Taiwanese to extend the
talking to each other. deadline for the 5,000 pillowcases?

I don’t know. I don’t even think that

I can meet my quota for this month
because all the garments I sewed
last week have been burned! I feel
so upset. All that work wasted!

Yeah, work has been disrupted for Agh! Look, my sewing machine is
three days since the fire. They have now jammed. That means more
cleaned the mess and Tom said that time wasted while I have to wait
they have replaced all electrical for it to be fixed.
wiring for safety purposes.

The fire has left the factory a total

mess. Ehem, ehem! See, ashes
everywhere! I thought that they’d
clean the place.

These sewing machines! They’re How’s Lina, by the way? Is she still in
always breaking down. They need the hospital? Poor Lina, she was near
to be checked one by one to make the switch when the big explosion
sure they’re in good working order. happened.
Last Monday I cut my finger when
the needle jammed.

Will the company pay for her

medication?

14
 I hope so. She will not be able
to work for several weeks. How
can we possibly meet our quota
of garments without her?

What are the implications and effects of the accident to the garment company?
How did it affect the work in the factory? What about the productivity of the workers?
Did it affect the employees’ morale? How? Does the company sustain a healthy
workforce? What about the machines, facilities and equipment? How many are
functioning and running in good condition? How many were damaged? Think carefully
about these questions and then try and write some possible answers on the lines
below.
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Workplace accidents and sickness can affect and disrupt employees’ productivity.
When workers are injured or taken ill, the workforce is decreased and weakened.
In the garment factory, work was disrupted for three days because the workplace
needed repair and cleaning due to the damages caused by the fire. Can you just
imagine the amount of time wasted within those unproductive three days? Come to
think of it, this is not all that was wasted. The garments that the workers sewed for the
previous weeks were burned. There is now no way for them to meet their quota of
garments especially now that Lina cannot come to work for several weeks. As a result,
the employees’ morale suffers.
Lina and her family suffered a lot, too. Lina was hospitalized and underwent much
physical pain and mental trauma. Her family also suffered from stress and worry.
Though the company will be paying for her treatment, Lina will not be able to work
and will not receive her daily wage.
Machines, facilities and equipment which are not well maintained or are
malfunctioning threaten the health and safety of the workers. For example, the sewing
machines in the garment factory keep breaking down. The workers waste time waiting
for their sewing machines to be fixed. The factory’s production schedule is thus
disrupted due to the faulty equipment.

15
 Let’s Learn

In 1997, some 5,121 work-related accidents were reported by 289

establishments. A total of 112,983 workers were involved in these accidents. Most of
them were working in the fields of agriculture (2,187 cases), manufacturing (1,976
cases) and construction (478 cases).
It was reported that companies lost a total of 271,159,200 man-hours due to
work-related accidents. A total of 128,405 days was lost which could have been used
productively if these accidents had been prevented.
Thus, workplace accidents and injuries do not only maim and kill workers but
also have serious negative costs for employers. Workplace safety measures such as
correct use of safety equipment, maintaining a clean and safe workplace and
displaying safety reminders help keep a workplace healthy. They also make good
business by helping to prevent costly losses of time, money, productivity and staff
morale caused by disruptive and destructive workplace accidents.
In spite of all the safety measures that we do, a lot of unavoidable accidents still
happen. Do you know how to give first aid when needed? In Lesson 2 we will
discover what first aid is.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

Study the two pictures above and do the following activity.

1. Identify the possible accidents that can happen inside and outside this
softdrink warehouse.
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

16
 2. Identify safety equipment and safety signs that should be used in the
workplace.
_____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. Propose ways to make the workplace safer.

__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Share and discuss findings with your Instructional Manager or Facilitator, co-
workers, friends, barangay officials, etc.
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 32–33.

Let’s Remember

In this lesson, you have learned that:

♦ You should wear the appropriate working clothes and use the proper
equipment to avoid accidents in your workplace.
♦ You should strictly follow warning signs and safety reminders.
♦ You should keep your working environment clean and orderly to avoid
accidents.
♦ Common accidents and sickness can delay your work and affect your job
performance. You can achieve better output and quality results if you can
minimize accidents and sickness in the workplace.

17
 LESSON 2

First Aid in the Workplace

This lesson will teach you the appropriate first-aid treatments to common
injuries caused by accidents in the workplace.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to:
♦ identify the common injuries caused by accidents in the workplace; and
♦ administer first aid in different situations.

Let’s Study and Analyze

Read the story below.

Aling Selya is a dressmaker in a factory with 80 workers. She usually complains
of severe headaches. This is because of the smell coming from the adjacent room
where chemicals used for textile coloring are mixed. One day, she suddenly fell
unconscious while doing her work. Her co-workers panicked. Not one of them
knew how to give first aid. There was also no first-aid kit available. After a while,
Aling Selya died.

Who is responsible for the accident? Is it Aling Selya? The workers? How about
the owner of the factory? Write your opinion in the blanks.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
After Aling Selya’s accident, exhaust fans were installed in the chemical mixing
room to improve ventilation. A first-aid kit was also made available inside the factory.
The factory manager even decided to have the workers undergo first-aid training. But
all these efforts have come too late for Aling Selya.

18
 Let’s Read

Read the following to learn more about the importance of first aid.
First Aid is the initial treatment given to accident victims or the sick.

Importance of first-aid treatment:

1. First-aid treatment gives temporary and immediate medical assistance to the
victim in the absence of a doctor.
2. First-aid treatment cannot replace proper treatment given by a doctor. Its
role is merely to avoid more serious injuries.
3. First-aid treatment relieves, if not eliminates, the pain experienced by
victims.
4. First-aid treatment is usually given to prolong the life of the victim.
Things To Do When Giving First Aid

1. Call for help.

2. Get involved.
3. Avoid making the situation worse.

It is the employer’s duty to provide proper dental and medical services and
facilities to the employees. Employees should be aware of this. This is stated in the
Labor Code under paragraph 1 of the Medical and Dental Services, Article 156:
“First-Aid Treatment - Every employer shall keep first aid medicines and
equipment in his company depending on the nature and conditions of work. This is
in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Labor.”
First-aid training should also be given to workers. If only the factory workers
were given first-aid training, Aling Selya could still be alive.
Where do accidents usually happen?
Here are some workplaces where accidents are common:
1. construction areas
2. factories of paper, fabric, furniture, and other flammable items
3. stores
4. gasoline stations
5. workplaces near big electrical posts
6. roads with heavy traffic
7. rice fields and other open fields
There are accidents that often happen in your workplace. Do you know what
these are? Write them below.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

19
 How might the workplace be improved so that accidents are less likely to
happen?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Discuss your answers with your Instructional Manager, co-workers, family
members or friends.

Let’s Study and Analyze

Now read about the common injuries caused by accidents that happen in the
workplace and find out how these can be addressed. Keep in mind that the treatments
listed below are only first-aid treatments.Victims should be treated properly by a
doctor later on.
Common Accidents and the Appropriate First Aid Treatments

1. Burns – These are burns on the skin or any part of

the body due to extreme heat, chemical reaction or
radiation. An example of chemicals causing
reaction to the skin is muriatic acid. Other
examples are coal tar, car battery fluid and
explosives.
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Immediately move the victim away from the source of the injury.
2. Wrap the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze to avoid infection.
3. Carefully support the victim.
4. Do not touch the affected area.
5. Pour cold liquid on the injury for 10 minutes.
6. Bring the victim to a hospital.
2. Wounds – Cuts or stab wounds on any part of the
body
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the
bleeding.
2. Raise and support the wounded part of the
body.
3. Apply pressure to the main blood vessels.

20
 4. Do not apply a tourniquet. A tourniquet is a
bandage tied 2 to 3 inches above a wound and is
twisted tight with a stick. It can worsen bleeding
and may result to tissue damage and even
gangrene (decay of tissue).
5. Apply a cold compress on the wound.
6. For minor wounds and cuts, clean the affected
area and apply the appropriate medication. Cover DO NOT USE
TOURNIQUET
the wound with a clean gauze or bandage to avoid
infection.
7. For stab wounds, do not pull any object that may still protrude from the
victim’s body. Cover this and apply direct pressure on the wound.
Immediately bring the victim to a hospital for proper treatment.
3. Nosebleeds
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Make the victim sit upright, slightly leaning
forward.
2. Reduce the bleeding by pinching the nose.
3. Apply a cold compress on the victim’s
forehead.
4. If the bleeding does not stop, bring the
victim to a hospital.
4. Poisoning – by substances such as acid, gas,
gasoline or petroleum. These usually affect the
body’s major internal organs such as the
stomach and the intestines.
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Do not make the victim vomit. Vomiting
can cause further damage to the digestive
and respiratory tracts. This is because the
poison will pass through the esophagus (food pipe) again back to the
mouth.
2. Give antacids like milk or water to dilute the poison in the stomach.
3. Provide treatment for shock.
4. Immediately bring the victim to a hospital.

21
5. Poisoning - by other substances
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Force the victim to vomit by touching the
inside of the throat.
2. Give any of the following antidotes:
♦ 2 tablespoons of crushed charcoal
♦ 2 tablespoons of milk
♦ 1 glass of tea
3. Bring the victim to a hospital.
6. Severe Vomiting and Diarrhea
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Give the victim sugar or ice to
stop the vomiting.
2. Give the victim bananas or
apples to stop diarrhea.
3. Give an appropriate anti-
diarrhea (attapulgite)
medication. Examples are
Immodium, Diatabs, and Polymagma.
4. Give the victim a sponge bath to lower his/her fever.
5. Bring the victim to a hospital.
7. Fainting – loss of consciousness caused by
inadequate blood flow. This is due to heat, extreme
tiredness, pregnancy, hunger, or body infection.
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Let the victim lie down. The feet and legs
should be elevated higher than the head.
2. Loosen the victim’s clothes for better blood
flow and to ease breathing.
3. Give water to the victim after he/she regains consciousness.
4. Observe the victim. If he/she fails to regain consciousness, bring him/
her to a doctor.

22
 8. Dog and Snake Bites
First Aid Treatment for Dog Bites:
1. Clean the wound.
2. Bring the victim to a hospital for anti-
rabies treatment.
First-Aid Treatment for Snake Bites:
1. Calm the victim.
2. Lower the affected part of the body to slow down the flow of infected
blood.
3. Place a clean cloth or plaster about 2 inches above the affected part.
4. Slash slightly the affected part with a knife or suck out the venom.
5. Bring the victim to a hospital.
9. Bone Fracture – broken bone or bones in the
arm, leg or wrist due to bad falls, etc.
First-Aid Treatment: Fracture

1. Do not move the victim.

2. If the victim is conscious, ask which part of
the body is affected.
3. Put a brace or support, such as towels or
cushions around the affected area to
minimize pain.
4. Carefully assist the victim.
5. Call for an ambulance. In case there is no ambulance, lay the victim on a
stretcher and bring him/her to the nearest clinic or hospital.
10. Sprain - a twisting or wrenching of a ligament or
muscle. It does not involve a breakage of bones.
Examples are twisted muscles in the legs.
First-Aid Treatment:
1. Steady and support the injured part. Try to
place it in the most comfortable position.
2. Apply ice or a cold compress if the injury has
just taken place. This will lessen the pain,
swelling and bruising.
3. Apply compression to the injured part by surrounding the area with a
soft, thick padding. Put bandage.
4. Elevate the injured limb to reduce blood flow.
5. Advise the victim to rest the injured part and to see the doctor if
necessary.

23
 Has the reading been helpful? Have you ever experienced giving or receiving
first aid? Accidents can definitely be avoided with the proper safety precautions. But
it is also important to be prepared to give first-aid treatments in times of emergency.
Common accidents and sickness delay our work and affect our job performance.
If we can minimize accidents and sickness in the workplace, we will certainly achieve
better productivity and quality results.
Let’s see if you have learned from the lesson.

Let’s Review

Read the three situations below. Number the items according to the correct
sequence of steps to provide Bobby, Gayle and Nilo with the proper first-aid
treatments.
Situation Number 1:
You and your friends love to climb mountains. One day, your friend Bobby
invited you to trek Mt. Cristobal. So you packed your camping gear and off you
went for the climb. After two hours of walking under the heat of the sun, your
friends decided to take the shorter route. As you turned to cross the lofty cliff,
you heard Bobby shouting for help. Bobby fell and broke one of his legs. To help
him, you:
_____ a. Put a brace or support on the affected leg
_____ b. Carefully position Bobby on the stretcher.
_____ c. Do not move Bobby
_____ d. Bring him to the nearest clinic or health center
_____ e. If he is conscious, ask which part of the body is affected
Situation Number 2:
You and your friend Gayle went to a nearby garbage pit. You saw a rubber tire
burning. You got a long stick and began to try and push the hot melting tire into a
nearby pool of water to extinguish the fire. You then threw away the stick which
was now covered with hot melting rubber. The stick accidentally hit Gayle’s arm.
You decided to:
_____ a. Pour cold liquid on the injured arm for 10 minutes
_____ b. Bring Gayle to a hospital
_____ c. Immediately move Gayle away from the source of the injury
_____ d. Carefully support her
_____ e. Wrap the affected area with a clean cloth or gauze to avoid
infection

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 Situation Number 3:
You and your friend Nilo were harvesting rice together in the fields.
Suddenly, Nilo shouted and immediately turned very pale. With your own two
eyes, you saw a snake slithering away from Nilo. Looking closer, you saw two
bite marks on his leg. You immediately:
_____ a. Put a clean cloth 2 inches above the affected area
_____ b. Slash the affected area slightly and let it bleed
_____ c. Calm Nilo
_____ d. Lower the affected part of the body to slow down the flow of
infected blood
_____ e. Bring him to a hospital
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 33.
How many correct answers did you get? If you got everything right, you are
really good! If you got five mistakes or more, you need to review the steps in giving
first aid. If you got 10 mistakes or more, then you need to review the whole lesson.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

A. Place a cross (8) inside the boxes before the statements describing
inappropriate first-aid treatments. Explain why these treatments are
inappropriate.
Apply lotion, ointments, or fats to a burned area.
_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Try to replace a dislocated bone in its socket.

___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Do not apply a tourniquet to stop the bleeding of a wound.

_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

25
 Place a bleeding patient in the recovery position if he/she is
unconscious.
________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Make a person with a nosebleed sit upright, slightly leaning forward.
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Induce vomiting for victims of acid poisoning.
____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
B. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Why is first aid important?
a. It replaces the role of a doctor.
b. It prevents the victim’s pain or injury from becoming more serious.
c. It prevents people from panicking.
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above.
2. What was the reason why Aling Selya died?
a. No one knew how to give first aid.
b. Everyone panicked.
c. There was no first-aid kit available.
d. All of the above.
3. According to Article 156 of the Labor Code, what should every
employer keep in his company depending on the nature and condition of
work?
a. Stethoscope and thermometer
b. Medicine cabinet
c. First-aid medicine and equipment
d. Weighing scale
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 34.

26
 Let’s Remember

♦ First aid is the initial treatment given to accident victims or the sick.
♦ Some common injuries are:

burns
fainting

wounds
dog and snake bites

nosebleeds
bone fractures

poisoning
sprains

severe vomiting and diarrhea
♦ It is important to be prepared to give first aid in times of emergency.
Great job! You are surely doing well. The next time an emergency strikes, you
should know exactly what to do.

Let’s Try This

Visit a workplace in your neighborhood. It might be your own workplace if you

are employed or some other place where people are working. Examples are a local
shop, school, factory, small business, or construction site. Observe the safety
situation in the workplace, then:
1. Identify possible accidents that can happen in the workplace.
2. Identify safety equipment and safety signs that should be used in the
workplace.
3. Propose ways to make the workplace safer.
Share and discuss your findings with your Instructional Manager or Facilitator,
co-workers, friends, barangay officials, etc.
Now, let’s make a brief summary of all the things you have learned in this
module. Can you still recall what we have discussed?

Let’s Sum Up

This module taught you that:

♦ It is important to wear appropriate working clothes and use the proper
equipment to avoid accidents in the workplace.
♦ Warning signs and safety reminders should be strictly followed.
♦ Our working environment should be kept clean and orderly to avoid
accidents.

27
 ♦ Common accidents and sickness can affect our job performance. We will
achieve better productivity and quality results if accidents and sickness are
reduced in the workplace.
♦ First aid is the initial treatment given to accident victims or the sick.
♦ Common workplace injuries include burns, wounds, nosebleeds, poisoning,
severe vomiting and diarrhea, fainting, dog and snake bites, bone fractures
and sprains.
♦ It is important to be prepared to give first aid in times of emergency.
Congratulations! You have just completed this module. But before proceeding to
a new module, try answering this one last test to see how much you have learned. Do
your best!

What Have You Learned?

1. Based on the picture above, what possible accidents/injuries can occur

inside this sawmill?
__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

2. Identify possible safety equipment or safety signs which would make this
sawmill a safer workplace.
____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

28
 3. Identify possible negative consequences for work productivity and job
performance in the sawmill if workplace accidents are not prevented.
__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

4. What kind of first-aid treatment would you give to a sawmill worker who had
accidentally cut his hand with a sharp saw?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Were you able to answer all the questions? Compare your answers with those
in the Answer Key on pages 34–35.
If the number of correct answers you got is:
0-2 You have to review the whole module again.
3 Good! Just go back and review the items that you answered
incorrectly.
4 Very good! You have learned a lot from this module.
You may now proceed to the next module.

29
 Answer Key

A. Let’s See What You Already Know (pages 1–3)

1. (b) First aid gives temporary and immediate medical assistance to
accident victims in the absence of a doctor. It relieves the pain
experienced by the victims.
2. (a) Article 162 of the Labor Code states that safety and health
standards shall be enforced to ensure safe and healthy working
conditions in all places of employment.
3. (a) A thimble is used by sewers and dressmakers to protect their
fingers from needle pricks while sewing.
4. (d) The “Danger! Deep Excavation,” “Watch Out for Falling Debris”
and “Park at Your Own Risk” signs are examples of safety reminders.
The “Rest Room” sign is not a safety reminder but a sign used to
identify a place where we can use the toilet and wash up a bit.
5. (b) Safety reminders are important because they help ensure safety in
the workplace.
6. (c) A coat and hard hat are used in construction sites to prevent
injuries from falling debris. A straw hat, gloves and first-aid kit do not
prevent injuries from falling debris.
7. (d) Apply ice or cold water on her lap for 10 minutes. Applying cream
on the affected area will further damage the tissues and increase the risk
of infection. It is not even advisable to touch the affected area.
8. (c) Never apply a tourniquet on a wound because it can worsen the
bleeding and damage the tissue.
9. (b) A banana is a good treatment for diarrhea. Eating peanuts,
chocolates and prunes will only aggravate the condition of the sick
person.
10. (c) Ice should be taken to stop vomiting. It lessens or removes the
feeling of wanting to vomit.

B. Lesson 1
Let’s Study and Analyze (pages 4–5)
Possible Answers:
1. Mang Isko fell while working in a construction site.
2. Mang Isko should have used the proper working clothes and
equipment like the safety belt and the hard hat. He might also have
been able to keep his balance better if he was wearing hard shoes
rather than rubber slippers.

30
Let’s Try This (pages 5–6)
The pictures that show wrong actions are a, d, e, and f. Why? Read and
analyze the following explanations for each letter.
a – Are the driver’s feet protected when he wears slippers? No;
loose stones, rocks and other hard materials on the road may
hit and injure his feet as he drives along. He may also find it
hard to keep his feet on the footrest properly if it’s wet and
slippery due to rain. If you were the driver, you should wear the
proper kind of shoes.
d – Do you want your teeth to fall out? This man might lose some
teeth with what he is doing, considering that the cable is quite
thick and hard. The rough wires might also cut the inside of his
mouth. He should use pliers to cut the cable.
e – What can happen to the technician? He might be electrocuted
when his bare hands come in contact with the exposed electric
wires.
f – Too much sun is not good for the skin. A farmer should wear
long-sleeved shirts that are more comfortable and can protect
the skin from the sun’s rays.

Let’s Review (page 7)

A. Coat – used by construction workers in
B. Hard hat construction sites to prevent injuries
caused by falling debris.
C. Straw hat – a farmer’s constant companion
because of the shade it provides when
planting under the heat of the sun. This
helps prevent skin cancer.
D. Thimble – used by sewers or dressmakers to
avoid needle pricks when sewing.
E. Pliers – used by technicians and mechanics in
cutting and pulling wires or cables.
F. Sickle – a good tool for cutting grass and
harvesting rice because of its shape
and sharpness. This is safer to use than
the regular bolo knife.
G. Gloves – used by electricians to help prevent
electrocution because these serve as
insulators. These also protect the
hands against corns and blisters when
lifting heavy objects, driving vehicles,
etc.
31
Let’s Review (page 13)
1. a. Fire, because of the uncovered paint cans placed near the electrical
outlet
b. A person slipping or falling, because of the scattered paint cans and
pails
c. Burns to the arms and damage to the eyes of the worker, because he
is not using the proper protective gloves or goggles for welding
d. A person tripping over the glass bottle and cutting utensils on the
floor
2. a. Clean the place and store the cans of paint inside a cabinet.
b. Clean the place and put the pails and glass bottles in their proper
places.
c. Wear safety glasses or a welding mask to protect the eyes.
3. a. A clean workplace is a safe workplace.
b. Protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses.
c. No smoking.
d. Do not spill paint on the floor.
e. Keep all paint cans covered.
Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 16–17)
1. a. Since the warehouse doesn’t have a safe space/area for bottle
carriers to load or unload the softdrink cases, they might get hit by
running vehicles when crossing the one-way street.
b. Workers might get hurt when bottles suddenly break or explode
because of extreme heat and pressure while stored inside the
warehouse or when bottle carriers load/unload bottles to and from
the truck or forklifts/push carts.
c. There is a possibility of workers falling when climbing up the truck
to load and unload softdrink cases.
d. Workers might accidentally step on the broken bottles scattered on
the floor.
e. The bottle cases with softdrink bottles inside are not stockpiled
properly. They might accidentally collapse, hurting unwary
workers.
f. Wearing rubber slippers might cause workers to miss the steps of
the truck ladder when loading and unloading the softdrink cases.

32
 2. Possible first-aid equipment and safety signs that might be
used to improve safety in the workplace include:
a. A “One-way Street” sign to warn bottle carriers to be cautious in
crossing the street. A guard should be in place to direct traffic for
exiting and entering vehicles.
b. A “No Parking” sign across the street to discourage bottle carriers
from parking their trucks and then crossing the busy street with a
load
c. “Watch Out for Broken Glass” sign
d. Bottle carriers should wear appropriate uniforms and shoes to
protect their feet from broken bottles.
3. Possible ways to make the workplace safer include:
a. Constant reminders to salesmen/bottle carriers that the street is a
one-way street.
b. Reminder to bottle carriers to be careful not to step on the broken
glasses and bottles.
c. Replace the ordinary pushcarts with forklifts.
d. Create a parking space right beside the warehouse to avoid crossing
the street.
e. Ensure that the cases of bottles are stacked safely.
f. Keep the work area clean (i.e., sweep away broken bottles and mop
up pools of water/liquid).
g. Place a first-aid kit on the wall of the warehouse.
h. Tell the workers to wear protective gloves and shoes.

C. Lesson 2
Let’s Review (pages 24–25)
Situation 1 Situation 2 Situation 3
a. 3rd a. 4th a. 3rd
b. 4th b. 5th b. 4th
c. 1st c. 1st c. 1st
d. 5th d. 3rd d. 2nd
e. 2nd e. 2nd e. 5th

33
 Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 25–26)
A. 8 Apply lotion, ointments, or fats to the burned area.
Lotion, ointments or fats can further damage the skin tissues and
increase the risk of infection.
8 Try to replace a dislocated bone into its socket.
Never attempt to replace a dislocated bone into its socket. Seek proper
medical assistance.
8 Induce vomiting for victims of acid poisoning.
Do not make the victim vomit. It will cause further damage to the
digestive and respiratory tract when the poison comes back to the
mouth.
B. 1. (b) First aid is given to prevent the pain or injury from becoming
serious. It does not try to replace proper treatment by a doctor.
2. (d) All of the above. There was no available first-aid kit in the
workplace. Everyone panicked because no one knew how to
administer first aid.
3. (c) Article 156 under paragraph 1 of the Medical and Dental
Services of the Labor Code states that every employer shall keep
first-aid medicine and equipment in his/her company depending on
the nature and conditions of work.

D. What Have You Learned? (pages 28–29)

1. Possible accidents which can occur inside the sawmill:
a. Workers might damage their eyes because they are not wearing
goggles. Also, they use only wet clothes rather than wearing safety
masks. Without the safety masks, they might breathe in sawdust
particles and fumes that may cause respiratory injury.
b. If workers are not too careful and fully focused on their work, they
might accidentally cut their hands on the sharp saw.
c. Workers might cut their hands because they do not wear gloves.
They have also removed the safety covering of the cutting
equipment/tool to speed up cutting. This is not a safe practice.
d. Workers might slip on sawdust.
e. They might trip over the planks of lumber, cans and bottles
scattered on the floor.
g. They might trip over the loose chain lying dangerously on the floor.
h. They might injure their feet because they are wearing slippers only.
i. They may become deaf or develop ear injuries because they do not
wear earmuffs.
34
 2. Possible safety equipment or safety signs which would make the
sawmill a safer workplace:
a. Sawmill workers should wear goggles, safety masks, earmuffs and
gloves.
b. Safety covering of the cutting equipment/tools should be in its
proper place.
c. Safety signs like “Eye Protection Must Be Worn” and “Wear Safety
Mask” should be hung on the wall.
d. Keeping the work area clean, i.e., by sweeping away sawdust and
removing the planks of lumber, loose chain and trash scattered on
the floor.
e. Workers should wear appropriate shoes to protect their feet.
3. Possible negative consequences for work productivity and job
performance in the sawmill if accidents are not prevented:
a. The company will have to pay the expenses for the hospitalization
and medication of workers who might be injured if the workplace
is unsafe.
b. Work will be disrupted due to the occurrence of accidents.
c. The sawmill’s overall work quota may no longer be met due to the
loss of workers through injury and/or damage to equipment.
d. The workers’ morale suffers. Accidents will cause anxiety among
sawmill workers, making them worry about the possibility of
experiencing the same fate or accident. They also may be required
to increase their workloads to make up for the absence of injured
co-workers.
e. Without the protective goggles, earmuffs and safety masks, the
workers might suffer from injuries like eye damage, hearing
defects and respiratory injuries.
4. First-aid treatment given to a sawmill worker who accidentally cuts his
hand on the sharp saw:
a. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding.
b. Raise and support the wounded part of the body.
c. Apply pressure to the main blood vessels.
d. Apply a cold compress on the wound.
e. Clean the cut and apply appropriate medication. Cover the wound
with a clean bandage to avoid infection.
You may also have identified some other possible answers. Show your work to
your Instructional Manager, friend or co-worker for additional feedback.

35
 Glossary

Aggravate To make worse.

Debris Any ruins such as broken stone, wood, etc.
Esophagus The passage for food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Exhaust fan A device used to set up a current of air for cooling off a hot room
or place.
Flammable Easily set on fire.
Gangrene Decay of body tissue when the blood supply is blocked as by inury or
disease.
.
Gauze (goz) A very thin, transparent, loosely woven material, as of cotton silk.
Head gear A hat, cap or a bonnet; something placed on the head as covering or
protection.
Scald To burn with hot liquid or steam.
Sickle A tool having a crescent-shaped blade with a short handle, for cutting tall
grass, etc.
Slither To slip, slide, or glide along (like a snake).
Trek To travel slowly and tiresomely.
e
Tourniquet (toor´–ni–k t, toor´–ni–keI) Any device for putting pressure on or
compressing blood vessel to stop bleeding, as a bandage twisted tight.
Venom The poison secreted by some snakes and spiders.

References

Foz, Vicente B. “The Labor Code.” Philippine Law Gazette. Quezon City.
Manila Water Company. “Basic First Aid Seminar.”
Occupational Safety and Health Center. Department of Labor and Employment.
2000 Information Corner: Philippine OSH Situationer.
<http://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/info_corner.html>. October 17, 2000
Red Cross Basic First Aid Seminar
The Social Security System Handbook
Webb, Michael et al. First Aid Manual. Dorling Kindersley, Great Britain, 1997.
Webb, Michael et al. Emergency First Aid. Dorling Kindersley, Great Britain,
1997.

36